2006 © Copyright Ask Art Solutions 905-593-8867 Mississauga, Ontario
6 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
6.1 Provision of Resources
You must determine and provide the resources needed to:
ÞIImplement and maintain the QMS & continually improve its effectiveness
ÞIEnhance customer satisfaction by meeting their requirements
Key Explanation Points and Tips:
ÞIn clause 5.1e we saw that top management has the responsibility to ensure the availability of resources to develop and maintain your QMS.
ÞClause 6.1 requires you to determine the nature and availability of such resources. This is typically done through business and quality planning.
ÞHaving adequate resources is vital (as many organizations run into QMS nonconformities as a result of insufficient or improper use of resources) to ensure product conformity or satisfy customer requirements - e.g. having adequate personnel, materials and equipment to ensure timely production and delivery of product.
ÞUse business planning (clause 5.1); quality management planning (clause 5.4) and planning for QMS processes (clause 4.1), to identify and determine the nature of resource needs of QMS each process and plan for its availability.
The actual amount of resources needed may vary day to day and over time. This is one reason why top management must review QMS performance (see clause 5.6.2) regularly.
ÞConsider developing performance indicators for each major category of resources used, (e.g. machinery and equipment; human resources; facility and environment; transport; communication systems; etc.) to determine the effective use of such resources.
ÞWhere the resource planning process is performed off-site (e.g. at head-office), your QMS must include the off-site processes within your QMS and ensure that such processes comply with ISO 9001 requirements. Evidence of the off-site facility’s compliance may include - a copy of their ISO 9001 certification; results of their internal audits to ISO 9001; auditing the outsourced facility; etc.
The expectation is to flow down to the off-site facility, the relevant ISO 9001requirements that you would have to implement, had you carried out the process at your own facility.
